Being the hostess with the most-ess is always in style and thankfully, there is plenty of good literature on it. So for your next dinner party, give it that southern comfort feel by hosting the perfect supper club. This Southern Living “how to” is sure to impress the guests this summer! All you have to do is keep it simple and you’re already halfway there.
The House Cocktail and Apps
Begin the festivities by welcoming guests with a signature cocktail of your choosing, and let them much on apps while chatting with each other. This is a great chance for you to put the finishing touches on the meal. Once supper starts, switch from cocktails to wine and let it flow…conversations at this point, will come easy.
The Main Dish
Now is not the time to go over-the-top with something fancy shmancy, save the fuss for another time. Today’s entertaining style is much more simple and relaxed so focus on a one-pot main dish (like beans and rice, a stew, or jambalaya). One-pot meals are great because there will be plenty to feed all and then you only need one side dish and some fresh bread!
Easy-Does-It Table Setting
Keep that relaxed vibe going into your table settings. Use a nice mix of metal chargers or textured placemats, made of rattan or bamboo, underneath the white dinner plates. Then fill in with bowls, saucers, etc., of a vibrant color or pattern. Inexpensive linen kitchen towels make generous-sized napkins. Avoid the tall centerpieces that prohibit guests from seeing across the table at each other. Pick up some nice flowers from the grocery store (do these a couple of days ahead of the event so the flowers have time to fully open) and put two to three blooms in small glass bottles. Place the bottles down the center of the table and, if you have enough, place a bottle of flowers at each place setting. Use clear goblets for drinks, add some candles and/or votives down the center of the table, and you are all set.
Make-Ahead Dessert
You don’t want to miss any of the fun and fellowship by spending time in the kitchen fussing over a tricky dessert. Choose a dessert that can be made a day or two ahead of schedule, such as this Mocha Chocolate Mousse. If everyone is having a good time at the table and conversation is flowing, there is not need to break the mood; simply serve dessert there. If guests seem restless and conversation is lagging, move the party to another room for drinks and dessert.
This “how to” courtesy of Southern Living
